A Sign Company Buyer’s and Seller’s Story

ONE OUT OF NINE respondents to our 2025 Big Survey stated that their top priority for the next 12 months was preparing to exit the industry (succession, retirement, etc.) It’s not surprising when you consider a combined 42% of the survey-takers were aged 60 or older (see ST, Mid-March 2025, page 12). We also see frequent mentions of it from our Brain Squad. Shop owners exiting the industry has always been the case. Given the ‘ripening’ of sign company owners as a whole, however, we may be seeing a higher rate of departure soon.

Some owners are leaving before turning 60. Derek Atchley, 53-year-old former owner of Atchley Graphics (Columbus, OH), recently sold his company to Quality Custom Signs & Graphics (QCSG; Worthington, OH), represented by CEO Jenny Robertson. Derek and his wife Christine were starting to consider transitioning to their next chapter at the same time QCSG was looking to expand. “As frequent partners and friends, those conversations merged and the idea of the acquisition became a reality,” they say.

The Atchleys felt they always had a goal to transition out of the business, to have more time for family, travel and exploring new paths. They also were very interested in selling to people who would maintain the values and legacy of their 20-year-old business. Derek particularly wanted time to give back to the industry in ways other than as a business owner. The motivation on the part of QCSG — having been a partner and customer with Atchley Graphics for several years — was the very attractive alignment of business values, customer service, product quality and community presence. “Having had a successful working relationship and friendship with both the Atchleys, the continuity for the staff, customers and leadership were also highlights,” Robertson adds.

All employees accepted the positions they were offered with the new entity in their same roles. Two offices will be maintained for now, with one focusing on production. The Atchleys also wanted Rich Doba, their operations manager, to have a role in the company’s succession. He is now an owner within the new entity, serving as chief operations officer with Dino Paglia as chief revenue officer.

Atchley is excited to be involved in the industry through consultancy panels, mentorships and flexible advisory roles. “I will always be a cheerleader for the new entity and available any time,” he says.

Atchley and Robertson agree that as company owners in our industry near retirement age, many are looking for options to transition for more flexibility or to create succession plans. They are looking to stay connected within the tight-knit industry while reducing direct involvement in day-to-day operations. “We definitely see these types of transitions as becoming more common and feel lucky to have found such a good fit for all involved in this transaction,” they say.

The buyer and seller are mutually excited for the next chapter and a front row seat to QCSG’s future success. The team also can’t wait to enjoy all of the stories from Derek and Christine’s next adventures. “Ultimately while we are all professionals in the signage industry, we are first and foremost colleagues and friends,” they say.